Cartridge not Recognised Error – Tips and tricks
Printers are certainly considered to be an every day object of life for the majority of people in western society. We just expect it to work when we need to print something and are frustrated when faced with a technical defect or error messages. Especially printer cartridges tend to show malfunctions. The error message that the printer does not recognize the cartridge used is a common problem with inkjet printers. In this case a systematical troubleshooting may solve the issue.
Step by step instructions:
- Remove all cartridges from the printer.
- Turn off the printer and disconnect both the power cable and the connection to the PC (USB) or network (LAN cable).
- Wait about 10-20 minutes.
- Connect the printer to the power supply - insert all cartridges one after the other.
- Reconnect the printer to the PC and/or network.
Error Source: Cartridge
© Brother
The wrong Cartridge Model
If the printer was functioning normally before the new cartridge was installed, it is likely that the cartridge is the reason for the malfunction. The next step is to check whether the installed cartridge is the correct cartridge, i.e. whether the model selected is compatible with the printer. It is often a misconception that if the cartridge fits into the printer, the printing process will also work without problems. Especially with well-known printer brands, the same series of printer parts are used in different printer models. However, this does not mean that all printer cartridges that fit are compatible with the printer model. It is of importance to pay attention to the correct model number when buying cartridges in order to avoid buying the wrong printer cartridge model.
© Canon
Printer Cartridge: Incorrectly installed
Once the cartridge model has been found to be correct, further possibilities for malfunction are possible. The next step is to check whether the cartridge is correctly installed. Errors often occur when the cartridge sits too loose on the print head and signals can't be transmitted. If the error still comes up after checking whether the cartridge is installed correctly, you can assume that the cartridge is defective. To be on the safe side, you should now reinsert the "empty" cartridge. If the previously used cartridge is recognized and everything works fine, there seems to be a problem with the new cartridge.
Error Source: Printer
Restart the Printer
It doesn't necessarily have to be the cartridge causimg the problem when the printer does not recognize it. You can check whether there is a driver error or whether the printer device is simply overwhelmed by continuous operation, by restarting the printer. If the cartridge is recognized after the restart, restarting the printer was an easy solution.
Checking the Printer Driver
© Brother
A further step for achiving functionality is to check the printer drivers. Sometimes the drivers used up to now are out of date. If this is the case, you should update the printer drivers.
Summary - When your printer doesn't recognize the cartridge
Should this problem occur when using a printer, it is advisable to follow the instructions listed above step by step. By doing so you will be able to find out which source is causing the error. The cartridge doesn't necessarily have to be the source of the problem. The described procedure works for all operating systems - Windows, Mac or Linux.
Should your printer not work properly, you are welcome to request a free quote!
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